The past president of the Jamaica Teachers Association passed away last week. In his honour, Career & Education, presents his last speech delivered in August at the 41st JTA Annual Conference in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

PRESIDENTS come and presidents go but the Jamaica Teachers Association will remain as long as we want it to.

This evening, I am feeling extremely proud that God has given me the opportunity by sparing my life to serve the teachers of Jamaica at the highest level.

You are all aware of my illness and there were times when I myself thought that it would not be possible. I was, however, reminded of the pair of footprints in the sand and remembered that at that time Jesus was carrying me – “To God be the glory, great things He hath done.”

As I face the final curtain, I want to say thanks to all of you my colleagues whose undying commitment to prayer through faith has made all of this possible. I remember my instalment in December and how I felt elated, and tonight, as I prepare to demit office, I have the same feeling.

The Memorandum of Understanding has had a severe impact on some aspects of my presidential programme and if I have any regrets, it would emanate from the lack of financial resources to carry out, effectively, the planned programme.

The conference year started with some degree of disquiet in the profession, as the reality of the MOU and the recommendations of the Task Force on Education became the subjects of daily discussions.

The association was constantly called upon to settle disputes relating to violence on students and teachers.

In addition, the ravage of hurricanes Ivan, Dennis, and Emily on the school plants, and the tardiness on the part of the relevant authorities to effect timely repairs, was a constant challenge.

Despite these odds, there were some positives that I have great pleasure in reporting on.

These include:

. the successful staging of the Conference on Technical/Vocational Education where, for the first time, the conference was fully funded by the participants;

. the expansion and continuation of investment seminars which saw record numbers of teachers attending in the various regions;

. continuation of the drive towards modernisation of the association;

. dealing effectively with the issue of teachers pension;

. the education reform recommendations;

. The 40th anniversary scholarships;

. Read Across Jamaica Day (first staging);

. 40th anniversary tokens for teachers to be distributed during the first term of the coming school year;

. the successful staging of the National Primary, All-Age and Junior High Athletics Championships, sponsored by Blue Cross of Jamaica;

. successful parenting workshop in western Jamaica with over 400 participants;

. started moves towards the development of the Mandeville property where plans are developed and a joint venture is now being sought;

plans in place for the relocation of the JTA headquarters to the new building at 97B Church Street to begin on a phased basis in October of this year;

. the Golden Torch Award ceremony which saw the largest number of teachers being honoured for 35 and more years of service to the teaching profession; and

. the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation to 40 of our colleagues.

The incoming president, Ruel Reid, has promised to take on some of my unfinished business as part of his presidential programme.

These include:

. the mentorship programme; and

. the Young Professionals Club

The JTA, having celebrated 40 years of existence, is now at a crossroad where it must begin to reposition itself to meet the growing challenges and demands of not only its members but also the society at large.

The association must change its modus operandi by taking serious steps to implement the five-year strategic plan.

This might include staff changes where we attract persons from outside of the profession to give it a more revolutionary perspective – that of ‘thinking outside of the proverbial box’.

The task force recommendations will certainly impact on the way we do business and the JTA is insisting that all the different planning and implementation groups must have a representative from the association reflecting the views of the teachers.

The society in general is depending on us to lead the way by ensuring that the nation’s future is secure and we must never lose sight of that.

The association is blessed with a plethora of individuals who will be able to lead without fear or favour and will always demand that others do the same.

In recent times, we have seen a proliferation of persons from the private sector claiming to have authority on educational matters. They make statements without much empirical evidence and lay the blame of the shortcomings of the education system at the feet of teachers.

I’m saying that these ‘prophets of misinformation’ must realise that nothing that they say will deter the good teachers from continuing to make a positive contribution to the system.

When the children are successful, we hardly get the praise. Remember that the school is a microcosm of the society and we cannot devoid ourselves of that.

The teachers of this country are always lambasted for their failings but are the first ones to be called upon to implement programmes – which, for the most part, we did not help to develop – and make sacrifice in the interest of the nation.

The signing of the MOU is a typical example of this level of sacrifice.

I am happy that the incoming president has given adequate notice that our involvement in this MOU will end in April 2006, and that the teachers will be expecting the necessary compensation to bring us back on par to ’80 per cent of market’.

A single-digit increase is not on the books. We are aware of the Bank of Jamaica governor’s projection of a possible inflation rate of 15 per cent, which will have a serious impact on workers.

My colleagues, the show must go on and, as I make my exit, I implore you to support the incoming president as he embarks on a path to improve our socio-economic status.

Thanks again to all the persons inclusive of the JTA staff, my family and friends who made my tenure possible.

My presidency was not one in which my voice could not be (heard), nor was it one in which there was not a listening ear.

The president, in eight months, did his best – albeit that there were obstacles. These were used as stepping-stones.

I think I have done my best under the circumstances and I have fulfilled my lifelong dream. How I will be remembered is in your purview.

In the words of Amos Bronson Alcot: “A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.”

I hope that I have been a good teacher. I hope I have lit the way for others. If I have achieved that I would have accomplished a lot.

Twenty-three years ago, I started on this journey in the JTA and ultimately became president, and now the time has come to pass on the baton.

Congratulations to the president-elect in waiting. Much will be required of him but as a true ‘Westmorelandite’, he is expected to rise to the challenge.

To the incoming president, I have indicated on numerous occasions that he is one in whom I am well pleased and handing over the presidency to him gives me the greatest of pleasure.

The immediate past president, Wentworth Gabbidon, must be specially commended for holding the fort during my hospitalisation. To him, I express a deep sense of gratitude.

The JTA must continue to strive for excellence at all times.

I therefore challenge you my colleagues to “never look for the faults as you go through life and even if you find them, it’s always wise and kind to be somewhat blind and look for the virtues in them. Search others for their virtues and thyself for the faults.”

Long live the JTA as we continue to ‘Unite to Serve’.